Random signals from spaces results in Drake's unscientific formula, which starts SETI.
Drake's forumla is not unsicentific in anyway. It is nothing more than equation which seems to be self-evidently true. The issues is what the value of the variables are, which is something that we do not know and may never know.
SETI is a search - nothing more. It doesn't say that life must exist elsewhere, or that intelligent life is out there. Some scientists are interested in this question and are thus searching for evidence based on an assumption that if extraterristial life is anything like life here, then it is possible that this life is broadcasting signals. This assumption is not a fact and it is not known to be true, but it seems reasonable to assume, so why not look? SETI may find nothing - in fact it is likely that it won't find anything given current technological constraints, but so what?
I do agree with Chricton (though many of his books are horrid) on many of his points though - many of the things popularized in the media are not scientifically accurate in the least. He is wrong calling SETI a religion - it is a search (as the first word of the acromyn states) nothing more. There is no "Theory of SETI" to be tested yet; they are no where near that phase. Maybe nothing is found - maybe something is - who knows if you quit searching?
Linear Mode
